"Although vaccines and some antiviral drugs are available, it is crucial to understand the interactions between the influenza virus and the host at the molecular level to identify host vulnerabilities affected by influenza viruses, which could lead to the development of new options. therapeutic, "said Kristin W. Lynch. , an investigator. Read: 4 shocking facts about the flu in India that everyone needs to know

The latest study revealed that infection with influenza A can reduce the splicing of some host genes, which could point to new strategies for antiviral therapies.

Transcription of Acid Ribonucleic Acid (DNA) in messenger RNA, which is the process of a single gene encoding a single protein, is not as simple as previously thought. The phenomenon of alternative RNA splicing, where a single gene can encode multiple proteins, was discovered more than 30 years ago in viruses.

The genome of influenza A is composed of eight single-stranded RNA segments. Three of these segments use alternative splices to produce two essential viral proteins, which are important in helping the virus enter the host cells.

Working with human lung cell cultures, the researchers proposed a mechanism for how influenza Virus A interacts with the human RNA splicing machinery suggests that preventing human splicing proteins from binding to the viral genome would help stop their replication.

As a result, the researchers discovered that the mutant sequences of the viral genome to prevent host proteins from binding together cause the viral RNA to mismatch and eventually stop replication, which reduces the spread of the virus in the body. Read:Tips to prevent cold and seasonal flu in children.

A balance must be maintained between the two viral messenger RNAs for the virus to successfully infect the host cells and replicate. "The regulation of the splicing of the two viral proteins is a fundamental step in the interaction between the virus and the host and, therefore, a new anti-viral remedy," said Lynch.

The challenge for researchers now lies in refining their understanding of the complexities of viral reproduction in host cells. Their hope is one day to identify a specific molecular target for antiviral drugs that can be used in the clinic.